Khadija Jallouli, (Youth Rep) on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17)

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Published Jun 22, 2024

Remarks by Khadija Jallouli, Youth Representative, at the 17th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17).

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow advocates,

Allow me to introduce myself; my name is Khadija, and I am the CEO of HawKar, a Tunisian startup dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with reduced mobility by providing adapted, accessible, and sustainable electric mobility solutions.

As we gather here today under the theme of rethinking disability inclusion, I am deeply honored to stand before you, not just as the CEO of HawKar, but as someone who has lived the reality of mobility challenges.

Growing up, I faced physical limitations that could have confined me to the sidelines. But I refused to accept those boundaries. Instead, I turned my unique perspective into an opportunity for change.

Today, I want to share with you why mobility matters, not just as a means of transportation, but as a gateway to independence, dignity, and social participation.

As a person with reduced mobility, I have dedicated myself to understanding the difficult challenges faced by those with disabilities like me. Despite my physical challenges, I have refused to let the environment define my limitations. Today, I bring you a message that speaks to the very essence of our shared humanity: the importance of breaking down barriers to inclusion in social life.

So let me take you on a journey—a journey that transcends the idea that movement is simply a physical act and dives into the world of freedom, dignity, and connection.

Imagine a world where every limit becomes an obstacle, where public transport remains out of reach, and where social events feel like distant dreams. For millions of individuals with disabilities, this isn’t imagination; it’s their harsh reality.